Lucy Ginther is the Founder and Music Director of the Mason Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Ginther brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her roles, cultivating a career that balances the realms of performance and education. Most recently serving as Assistant Conductor of the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra, Dr. Ginther has held faculty positions at The Ohio State University, Wright State University, Marshall University, and Ohio Wesleyan University, consistently demonstrating her commitment to excellence as a classroom instructor, viola professor, orchestra director, and faculty artist. In 2024, in addition to leading the Mason Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Ginther’s conducting credits included performances in Rome and Paris. As a viola soloist, her guest artist engagements include performances with Santa Fe ProMusica and at the Biblioteca Vasconcelos in Mexico City, as well as regionally with the College-Conservatory of Music Faculty Artist Series, Solisti Columbus, and the Miami University Guest Artist Recital Series. Her recording credits include working with the acclaimed pianist Earl Wilde as a member of American Strings and recording with EMI as the principal violist of the Orquesta de Minería in Mexico City. Dr. Ginther's orchestral career includes six principal viola posts stateside with ensembles such as the Oklahoma Symphony, Illinois Chamber Orchestra, and Cleveland’s Ohio Chamber Orchestra. In addition to classical repertoire, Dr. Ginther has performed in Broadway productions, including extended runs of Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, and Lion King. She has also shared the jazz stage with the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus and the inimitable Carmen Bradford. Dr. Ginther has been privileged to be guided in her career by esteemed mentors, including violists Robert Vernon, Jeffrey K. Irvine, and Masao Kawasaki, and conductors Ennio Nicotra, Diane Wittry, and Carmon DeLeone. Dr. Ginther holds Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Recently, Dr. Ginther was elected as a member of the Mason Arts Council, further contributing to the vibrant cultural life of her community.